Eccentric barrel pin assemblies and uses thereof in a cylinder lock

ABSTRACT

The disclosure relates to a cylinder lock wherein an eccentric barrel pin assembly with two contact points within the keyway are independently movable within the barrel to a common shear line against a single nested column pin assembly.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure is directed in general to an improved cylinder lock. Morespecifically, the disclosure is directed to a cylinder lock, wherein aneccentric barrel pin assembly with two contact points within the keywayare independently movable within the barrel to a common shear lineagainst a single nested column pin assembly.

Cylinder locks typically include a cylinder casing and a barrelrotatable in the casing. A plurality of barrel pins typically sit in thebarrel and a plurality of pins are spring biased in registrationtherewith in the cylinder casing. When an appropriate key is inserted inthe lock, the barrel pins are urged into height alignment inside thebarrel and the casing pins are urged against the springs into a columnportion extending radially from the casing, such that the shear line isnot blocked (by any pin(s)) and the barrel can be turned inside thecylinder casing to lock or unlock the lock.

Locks to an entry must, in addition to allowing authorized individualsto enter, have specific key profiles that prevent unauthorized keyduplication, either by an unauthorized entrant or an unauthorizedprofessional assembling the duplicate key. Additionally, a variety oftop-secret institutions require keys with more combinations that aredifficult to duplicate in order to avoid unauthorized entry.

Present day flat blade keys often have depressions of different depthsin the key blade or, in the cases of high-security entry, have holesthat are of different shapes. Additionally, there are keys having avariety of shapes, such as round cross-sectioned keys; and keys havingoutward projecting bits; all for the purpose of preventing unauthorizedentry and/or unauthorized key duplication.

The disclosure provided herein addresses these issues.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, provided herein is a cylinder lock, comprising: abarrel having an axial keyway and a plurality of barrel bores extendingradially from, and in communication with, the keyway, the barrel beingselectably, rotatbly movable within a cylindrical housing; thecylindrical housing having a column with a plurality of column boresextending radially from said barrel comprising a barrel pin assemblyslidably movable within the barrel bore, wherein the barrel pin assemblycomprising at least two, non-concentric engaging proximal ends,configured, when engaged by a key having at least two engagement sites,to slidably and independently translate along the barrel bore'slongitudinal axis to a shear line against a single nested column pinassembly located in a corresponding column bore; a stopper disposed atthe distal end of each column bore; and a biaser disposed within eachcolumn bore, sized and configured to bias the nested column pin assemblytowards the barrel .

In another embodiment, the nested column pin assembly comprises anaxially interrupted cylindrical housing defining a longitudinal axis andhaving a closed distal end and an open proximal end, the closed distalend defining a concentric aperture, wherein the axially interruptedcylindrical housing is sized and configured to accommodate an axiallymovable piston; the piston having a head portion with a flat proximalend and a stem extending distally from the head portion, the stem sizedand configured to extend distally beyond the aperture defined in theaxially interrupted cylindrical housing of the nested column pinassembly; and a spring sized to sheath the stem disposed distally to thehead portion of the piston between the head portion and the axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing, configured to bias the piston away fromthe axially interrupted cylindrical housing.

In yet another embodiment, the nested column pin assembly comprises: anaxially interrupted cylindrical housing defining a longitudinal axis andhaving a closed distal end and an open proximal end, the closed distalend defining a concentric aperture, wherein the axially interruptedcylindrical housing is sized and configured to accommodate a flangedupper piston and a cylindrical sleeve member; the flanged upper pistonhaving a proximal flange with a flat proximal end and a flanged upperpiston stem extending distally from the flange, the flanged upper pistonstem sized and configured to extend distally beyond the aperture definedin the axially interrupted cylindrical housing of the nested column pinassembly; an upper spring sized to sheath the flanged upper piston stemdisposed distally to the flange of the upper piston between the flangeand the axially interrupted cylindrical housing, configured to bias theflanged upper piston away from the axially interrupted cylindricalhousing; the cylindrical sleeve member disposed within the axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing, having an open distal end abutting theproximal end of the flange of the flanged upper piston, and an openproximal end, wherein the proximal end of the cylindrical sleeve furtherdefines an internal rim, sized and configured to accommodate a portionof a nested column pin; the nested column pin, having a distal flangewith a flat distal flange end, and a rod portion with a proximal end;and a nested spring disposed between the distal flange end of the nestedcolumn pin and the flat proximal end of the flanged upper piston.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the eccentric barrel pin assemblies withtwo contact points within the keyway described herein and their use in acylinder lock, with regard to the embodiments thereof, reference is madeto the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals designatecorresponding elements or sections throughout and in which:

FIG. 1A, shows a X-Z cross section of a cylinder lock comprising anembodiment of the eccentric barrel pin assembly with two contact pointswithin the keyway, a Y-Z cross section thereof illustrated in FIG. 1Band a X-Y barrel and key cut away of thereof illustrated in FIG. 1C;

FIGS. 2A-2D, shows an enlarged illustration of FIG. 1A, illustratingpossible shear line configurations resulting in the ability or inabilityto rotate the barrel;

FIGS. 3A-3C, illustrate the axial canal shape cut into the barrel boresthat are shaped, sized and configured to accommodate the eccentricmember of the barrel pin assemblies;

FIGS. 4A-4D, illustrate key combination surface that has a plurality ofengagement sites configured to engage certain barrel pin assembliesillustrated in the figures;

FIG. 5A-5C, are a X-Z cross section illustration of certain embodimentsof the eccentric barrel pin assembly with two contact points within thekeyway, with FIG. 5D being an enlarged portion of FIG. 5A;

FIGS. 6A-6D, are an isometric illustration of certain embodiments of theeccentric barrel pin assembly with two contact points within the keyway;

FIG. 7A is an isometric cut-away of another embodiment of the certainembodiments of the eccentric barrel pin assembly, the barrel, the keyand the nested column pin assembly, FIG. 7B being an isometricillustration of the barrel pin assembly illustrated in FIG. 7A, withFIG. 7C illustrating a X-Z cross section thereof along line C-Cresulting in successful rotation of the barrel and FIG. 7D illustratinga X-Z cross section thereof along line C-C resulting in unsuccessfulrotation of the barrel;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged portion D of FIG. 7A; and

FIG. 9 illustrates key combination surface that has a plurality ofengagement sites and undulating channel configured to engage thenon-concentric member of barrel pin assembly that is illustrated in FIG.7B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Provided herein are embodiments of a cylinder lock wherein an eccentricbarrel pin assembly with two contact points within the keyway is movablewithin the barrel to a common shear line against a single nested columnpin assembly.

The term “coupled”, including its various forms such as “operablycoupling”, “coupling” or “couplable”, refers to and comprises any director indirect, structural coupling, connection or attachment, oradaptation or capability for such a direct or indirect structural oroperational coupling, connection or attachment, including integrallyformed components and components which are coupled via or throughanother component or by the forming process. Indirect coupling mayinvolve coupling through an intermediary member or adhesive, or abuttingand otherwise resting against, whether frictionally or by separate meanswithout any physical connection.

In addition, the term “slidably” or “slidably coupled” refers tomovement of one surface (for example the latching assembly) over asecond surface (for example, the housing) while maintaining smoothcontinuous contact between the two surfaces. In another embodiment, theterm “slidably coupled” means a state in which two or more componentsare coupled to one another such that at least one of the components(e.g., the nested column pin assembly) at least slides with respect toanother component (e.g., column bores). Likewise; the terms “slide,”“slid” or “sliding” are defined as moving, gliding or passing along orthrough a surface, although continuous contact at each point along thepath is not necessarily required.

The term “engage” and various forms thereof, when used, refer to theapplication of any forces that tend to hold the engaged componentstogether against inadvertent or undesired separating forces (e.g., suchas may be introduced during use of the lock). It is to be understood,however, that engagement does not in all cases require an interlockingconnection that is maintained against every conceivable type ormagnitude of separating force.

The term “abut”, or “abuts” should not be understood to strictly meanthat the respective parts must be touching. Rather, “abuts” means thatany remaining space between an abutting portion will not cancel ornullify the intended operation of the abutting components.

A more complete understanding of the components, and devices disclosedherein can be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings. Thesefigures (also referred to herein as “FIG.”) are merely schematicrepresentations based on convenience and the ease of demonstrating thepresent disclosure, and are, therefore, not intended to indicaterelative size and dimensions of the devices or components thereof, theirrelative size relationship and/or to define or limit the scope of theexemplary embodiments. Although specific terms are used in the followingdescription for the sake of clarity, these terms are intended to referonly to the particular structure of the embodiments selected forillustration in the drawings, and are not intended to define or limitthe scope of the disclosure. In the drawings and the followingdescription below, it is to be understood that like numeric designationsrefer to components of like function. Likewise, cross sections arereferred to on normal orthogonal coordinate system having XYZ axis, suchthat Y axis refers to front-to-back, X axis refers to side-to-side, andZ axis refers to up-and-down.

Turning now to FIGS. 1A-1C, illustrating an embodiment of cylinder lock100, comprising barrel 102 having axial keyway 103 and a plurality ofbarrel bores 114 _(P) extending radially from −, and in communicationwith, axial keyway 103. As shown in FIG. 1A barrel 102 is beingselectably rotatbly movable within cylindrical housing 101. Cylindricalhousing 101 has column 105 with a plurality (in other words, two and/ormore) column bores 106, extending radially from (rotatable) barrel 102,and being in communication with barrel 102. As shown in FIG. 1B, barrelpin assembly 300A can be slidably movable within barrel bore 114p, whichcomprises at least two, non-concentric engaging proximal ends 302, 312,configured, when engaged by key 700 (see e.g., FIG. 1C) having at leasttwo engagement sites 703, 704, to slidably translate along barrel bore's114 _(P) longitudinal axis X_(l106i) (the same longitudinal axis definedby column bores 106 _(i)), to shear linel0 against single nested columnpin assembly 200A located in i^(th) corresponding column bore 106 _(i).FIG. 1B also illustrates stopper 108 disposed at the distal end of eachcolumn bore 106, and first biaser 107 disposed within each column bore106 _(i), sized and configured to bias nested column pin assembly 200Atowards barrel 102.

As illustrated in FIG. 1C, barrel 102 having distal end 1025 and aflanged 1024 proximal end 1023 with radial slit 104, can be definelongitudinal axis X1 and be divided into segments 1021 _(q) havingcurved outer surface, the segments separated by rings 1022 _(r).Similarly, column 105 of cylindrical housing 101 can comprise segments1051 _(k) separated by ribs 1052 _(m), such that the proximal end ofcolumns' ribs 1052 _(m) are configured to abut barrel 102 rings 1022_(r), which together with the curved outer surface of segments 1021_(q), reduce friction between barrel 102 and cylindrical housing 101,thus leading to an easier operation of cylindrical lock 100.

In an embodiment, nested column pin assembly 200A comprises: axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing 201 (see e.g., FIGS. 6A-6D, referring toa cylinder with an incomplete wall spanning the height of the cylinderalong its longitudinal axis) defining longitudinal axis and havingclosed distal end 202 and open proximal end 204, closed distal end 202defining concentric aperture 203, wherein axially interruptedcylindrical housing 201 is sized and configured to accommodate axiallymovable piston 205. Piston 205 (in other words, the nested component)having head portion 206 with flat proximal end 209 and stem 207extending distally from head portion 206. As illustrated, stem 207 issized and configured to extend distally beyond aperture 203 defined inaxially interrupted cylindrical housing 201 of nested column pinassembly 200A. Nested column pin assembly 200A further comprising spring208 sized to sheath (in other words, surround as a sleeve) stem 207disposed distally to head portion 206 of piston 205 between head portion206 and the underside of axially interrupted cylindrical housing 201,spring 208 configured to bias piston 205 away from axially interruptedcylindrical housing 201 within tube 211 (see e.g., FIG. 2A) formed byaxially interrupted cylindrical housing 201.

Turning now to FIGS. 1A-4B, illustrating embodiments of cylinder lock100, key 700, nested column pin assembly 200A and the barrel pinassembly 300A. As illustrated for example, in FIG. 2C, barrel pinassembly 300A comprises: axially interrupted cylindrical housing 301defining longitudinal axis X_(L) and having proximal 302 end and opendistal end 303, axially interrupted cylindrical housing 301 furtherdefining shelf 304 disposed distally to opening 305 in axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing 301, wherein proximal end 302 of axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing 301 is sized, shaped and configured tobe engaged in primary engagement site 703 (See e.g., FIG. 4A) on key 700key blade 701. FIG. 2C also shows shuttle member 306, slidably coupledto axially interrupted cylindrical housing 301. For example, shuttlemember 306 can comprise concentric member 307 having distal end 318 andproximal end 3181 and non-concentric member 310 extending radially andproximally (or downwards) from concentric member's 306 proximal end3181, with non-concentric member 310 having pin 311 distal end 308 andproximal end 312 shaped, sized and configured to be engaged in secondaryengagement site 704 on the key 700 key-blade 701, wherein non-concentricmember 310 extends radially from concentric member 307 at predeterminedangle q relative to longitudinal axis X_(L701) (see e.g., FIG. 1C, 3A)defined by key blade 701 of key 700.

An illustration of possible configurations that would enable or disablerotating barrel 102 in cylindrical lock housing 101 along shear line 10,is illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2D. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, wrong keyblade 701 is inserted in keyway 103 engaging proximal ends 302 and 312.As illustrated, properly configured secondary engagement site 704engages proximal end 312 of pin 311 of non-concentric member 310, thusaxially moving non-concentric member 310, causing concentric member 307distal end 318 to move axially in interrupted cylindrical housing 301against proximal end 209 of piston 205 head portion 206, thuscompressing spring 208 causing proximal end 209 of piston 205 headportion 206 to align with the interface crated by distal end 318concentric member 307 along shear line 10. However, since improperlyconfigured primary engagement site 703 (too shallow a cut), is the wrongconfiguration, it engages proximal end 302 of interrupted cylindricalhousing 301, causing distal end 303 of interrupted cylindrical housing301 of barrel pin assembly 300A to abut proximal end 204 of interruptedcylindrical housing 201 of nested column pin assembly 200A and axiallymove interrupted cylindrical housing 201 distally (in other words, awayfrom barrel 102) into column bore 106 i against first biaser 107 andindirectly against stopper 108, in effect inserting a portion ofinterrupted cylindrical housing 301 into the corresponding i^(th) columnbore 106 _(i), thus breaking shear line 10 preventing the rotation ofbarrel 102 in cylinder lock housing 101.

Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, wrong key blade 701 is inserted inkeyway 103 engaging proximal ends 302 and 312. As illustrated,improperly configured secondary engagement site 704 (too deep a cut),engages proximal end 312 of pin 311 of non-concentric member 310, thusaxially moving non-concentric member 310, causing concentric member 307distal end 318 to move axially in interrupted cylindrical housing 301against proximal end 209 of piston 205 head portion 206, thus notcompressing spring 208 enough, in effect allowing spring 208 to biasproximal end 209 of piston 205 head portion 206 to advance the interfacecrated by distal end 318 concentric member 307 and proximal end 209 ofpiston 205 head portion 206 beyond shear line 10, causing piston 205head portion 206 to enter interrupted cylindrical housing 301 of barrelpin assembly 300A. Moreover, improperly configured primary engagementsite 703 (too shallow a cut), engages proximal end 302 of interruptedcylindrical housing 301, causing distal end 303 of interruptedcylindrical housing 301 of barrel pin assembly 300A to abut proximal end204 of interrupted cylindrical housing 201 of nested column pin assembly200A and axially move interrupted cylindrical housing 201 distally (inother words, away from barrel 102) into column bore 106 _(i) againstfirst biaser 107 and indirectly against stopper 108, in effect insertinga portion of interrupted cylindrical housing 301 of barrel pin assembly300A into the corresponding i^(th) column bore 106 _(i), thus breakingshear line 10 preventing the rotation of barrel 102 in cylinder lockhousing 101.

Conversely, FIG. 2C, illustrates an embodiment wherein the right keyblade 701 is inserted in keyway 103 engaging proximal ends 302 and 312.As illustrated, properly configured secondary engagement site 704engages proximal end 312 of pin 311 of non-concentric member 310, thusaxially moving non-concentric member 310, causing concentric member 307distal end 318 to move axially in interrupted cylindrical housing 301 ofbarrel pin assembly 300A against proximal end 209 of piston 205 headportion 206, thus compressing spring 208 causing proximal end 209 ofpiston 205 head portion 206 to align with the interface crated by distalend 318 concentric member 307, along shear line 10. Likewise properlyconfigured primary engagement site 703 engages proximal end 302 ofbarrel pin assembly 300A interrupted cylindrical housing 301, causingdistal end 303 of interrupted cylindrical housing 301 of barrel pinassembly 300A to abut proximal end 204 of interrupted cylindricalhousing 201 of nested column pin assembly 200A and axially moveinterrupted cylindrical housing 201 distally (in other words, away frombarrel 102) against first biaser 107 and indirectly against stopper 108,thus aligning the interface formed by distal end 303 of barrel pinassembly 300A interrupted cylindrical housing 301 and proximal end 204of nested column pin assembly 200A interrupted cylindrical housing 201,to align with shear line 10 thus allowing the rotation of barrel 102 incylinder lock housing 101.

A different embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 4D. As illustrated,properly configured primary engagement site 703 engages proximal end 302of interrupted cylindrical housing 301, causing distal end 303 ofinterrupted cylindrical housing 301 of barrel pin assembly 300A to abutproximal end 204 of interrupted cylindrical housing 201 of nested columnpin assembly 200A and axially move interrupted cylindrical housing 201distally (in other words, away from barrel 102) against first biaser 107and indirectly against stopper 108, thus aligning the interface formedby distal end 303 of interrupted cylindrical housing 301 and proximalend 204 of interrupted cylindrical housing 201 of nested column pinassembly 200A to align with shear line 10. However, improperlyconfigured secondary engagement site 704 (too deep a cut), engagesproximal end 312 of pin 311 of non-concentric member 310, thus axiallymoving non-concentric member 310, causing concentric member 307 distalend 318 not to move axially in interrupted cylindrical housing 301sufficiently against proximal end 209 of piston 205 head portion 206,such that spring 208 is not compressed enough, in effect allowing spring208 to bias proximal end 209 of piston 205 head portion 206 causing itto advance the interface crated by distal end 318 concentric member 307beyond shear line 10, causing piston 205 head portion 206 to enterinterrupted cylindrical housing 301 of barrel pin assembly 300A andpreventing the rotation of barrel 102 in cylinder lock housing 101.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2D, the interface formed by distal end 303 ofinterrupted cylindrical housing 301 of barrel pin assembly 300A andproximal end 204 of interrupted cylindrical housing 201 of nested columnpin assembly 200A; and the interface crated by distal end 318 concentricmember 307 and proximal end 209 of piston 205 head portion 206, arecapable of moving axially independent of each other by engagement ofprimary site 703 and non-concentric, secondary site 704, only the properconfiguration of both will lead to an uninterrupted sear line 10,enabling the rotation of barrel 102 in cylinder lock housing 101.

Turning now to FIGS. 1C, and 3A-3C, illustrating the various embodimentsof the spatial configuration of non-concentric member 310, which extendsradially from concentric member 307 at a predetermined angle θ relativeto longitudinal axis X_(L701) defined by key blade 701 of key 700.Moreover, each barrel bore 114 _(p) accommodating one of barrel pinassemblies 300A (see e.g., FIG. 1B), 300B (see e.g., FIG. 6C), 300C (seee.g., FIG. 6B), 300D (see e.g., FIG. 6D), 300E (see e.g., FIG. 7B), or300F (see e.g., FIG. 6A) can further comprises axial canal 1141,extending radially from barrel bore 114 _(p) at same predetermined angleθ relative to longitudinal axis X_(L701) defined by key blade 701 of key700. Axial canal 1141 has radial cross section (in other words, crosssection transverse to the canal's longitudinal axis), which can besized, shaped and configured to accommodate the axial movement ofnon-concentric member 310. As illustrated, predetermined angle θ can bebetween about 15° and about 165° relative to longitudinal axis X_(L701)defined by key blade 701 of key 700. This would allow a substantialincrease in the number of cut configurations of the combination cylinderlock 100 and key 700. As illustrated in FIGS. 3B and 3C, axial canal1141 can be shaped for allowing the axial movement (along axial canal1141 longitudinal axis), by for example having a cross section that isconfigured to have a cross section complimentary to the cross section ofbarrel pin assembly's 300D non-concentric member 322 (see e.g., FIG.6D).

Accordingly and in an embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6D, 4C and 4D,barrel pin assembly 300D can comprise: axially interrupted cylindricalhousing 301 of barrel pin assembly 300D, defining longitudinal axisX_(L) and having proximal 302 end and open distal end 303, axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing 301 further defining shelf 304 disposeddistally to opening 305 in axially interrupted cylindrical housing 301of barrel pin assembly 300D, wherein proximal end 302 of axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing 301 of barrel pin assembly 300D, issized, shaped and configured to be engaged in primary engagement site703 (See e.g., FIG. 4C) on key 700 key blade 701. Barrel pin assembly300D can further comprise shuttle member 306, slidably coupled toaxially interrupted cylindrical housing 301 (of barrel pin assembly300D), wherein shuttle member 306 comprises: concentric member 307having distal end 318 and proximal end 3181, as well as non-concentricmember 322 coupled radially, via extension 309, wherein non-concentricmember 322 having distal end 308, extends radially from concentricmember 307 at predetermined angle θ relative to longitudinal axisX_(L701) defined by key blade 701 of key 700 and wherein non-concentricmember 322 defines coned cylinder with proximal end 323 shaped, sizedand configured for engagement in secondary engagement site 707 on key700, non-concentric member 322 having an oval cross section with majoraxis W₃₂₂ that is larger than the width W₃₀₉ of extension 309. Moreover,as an added security measure, major axis W₃₂₂ can be disposed atpredetermined angle α to longitudinal axis X_(L309) defined by extension309, while longitudinal axis X_(L309) defined by extension 309 can beoffset from at same predetermined angle θ relative to longitudinal axisX_(L701) defined by key blade 701 of key 700 (see e.g., FIG. 4C). Heretoo, predetermined angle θ can be between about 15° and about 165°relative to longitudinal axis X_(L701) defined by key blade 701 of key700, while predetermined angle a can be between about 0° and about 90°relative to longitudinal axis X_(L309) defined by extension 309 (seee.g., FIGS. 4C, 4D, and 6D). Moreover, since, non-concentric member 322has an oval cross section, conical proximal end 323 can be frustrated(see e.g., FIG. 6D) thus forming an elongated facet edge 2321, such thatsecondary site 703 is modified to be tilted groove 707, shaped, sizedand configured for engaging elongated facet edge 2321.

Other embodiments of barrel pin assembly 300, are provided in, forexample barrel pin assembly 300B (see e.g., FIGS. 5B, and 6C) whichcomprises axially interrupted cylindrical housing 301 of barrel pinassembly 300B, defining longitudinal axis X_(L) and having proximal 302end and open distal end 303, axially interrupted cylindrical housing 301further defining shelf 304 disposed distally to opening 305 in axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing 301 of barrel pin assembly 300B, whereinproximal end 302 of axially interrupted cylindrical housing 301 ofbarrel pin assembly 300B, is sized, shaped and configured to be engagedin primary engagement site 703 (See e.g., FIG. 4C) on key 700 key blade701. Barrel pin assembly 300B further comprises shuttle member 306,slidably coupled to axially interrupted cylindrical housing 301 ofbarrel pin assembly 300B. Shuttle member 306 can comprises: concentricmember 307 having distal end 318 and proximal end 3181. Proximal end 321of concentric member 307 can be sized, shaped and configured to beengaged in coaxial engagement site 709 on key 700 key blade 700 that isconcentric with annular cut 706, both which form primary engagement site703 (See e.g., FIG. 5B). Shuttle member 306 can further comprisenon-concentric member 310 extending radially and proximally (ordownwards) from concentric member's 306 proximal end 3181, withnon-concentric member 310 having pin 311 distal end 308 and proximal end312 shaped, sized and configured to be engaged in secondary engagementsite 704 on the key 700 key-blade 701, wherein non-concentric member 310extends radially from concentric member 307 at predetermined angle qrelative to longitudinal axis X_(L701) (see e.g., FIG. 1C, 3A) definedby key blade 701 of key 700.

Additional configuration is illustrated by barrel pin assembly 300C (seee.g., FIGS. 5C, and 6B), where barrel pin assembly 300C is illustratedshowing axially interrupted cylindrical housing 301 of barrel pinassembly 300C defining the longitudinal axis X_(L) and having proximalend 302 and open distal end 303, axially interrupted cylindrical housing301 of barrel pin assembly 300C further defining shelf 304 disposeddistally to opening 305, 305′ in axially interrupted cylindrical housing301 of barrel pin assembly 300C, wherein proximal end 302 of axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing 301 of barrel pin assembly 300C issized, shaped and configured for engagement in primary engagement site703, for example in annular cut 706 on key 700 key blade 701. Barrel pinassembly 300C further comprises shuttle member 306, slidably coupled tothe axially interrupted cylindrical housing 301 of barrel pin assembly300C, wherein shuttle member 306 comprises: concentric member 307 havingdistal end 318 and proximal end 3181, with pair of non-concentricmembers 311, 311′ extending radially and proximally from concentricmember's 307 proximal end 3181, the pair of non-concentric members 311,311′ each having distal end 308, 308′ and proximal end 312, 312′ shaped,sized and configured for engagement in secondary 704 and tertiary 704′engagement sites on key 700 key blade 701, wherein each of the pair ofnon-concentric members 311, 311′ extends radially from concentric member307 at predetermined angle θ relative to longitudinal axis X_(L701)defined by key 700 key blade 701. As illustrated in FIG. 5C, and in anembodiment, proximal ends 312, 312′ of non-concentric members 311, 311′are sized and shaped differently from each other, as are secondary 704and tertiary 704′ engagement sites on key 700 key blade 701.

Yet another embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 7A-9 showing barrel pinassembly 300E. As illustrated in these figures, barrel pin assembly 300Ecomprises: axially interrupted cylindrical housing 351 (see e.g., FIG.7B) of barrel pin assembly 300E (350) defining longitudinal axisX_(L351) while having closed proximal end 353 and open distal end 352,with opening in the axially interrupted cylindrical housing, the openingdefining radial pathway 359, wherein closed proximal end 353 of axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing 301 of barrel pin assembly 300E isshaped, sized and configured for engaging primary engagement site 703(which can be formed of at least annular cut 706, and coaxial engagementsite 709) on key 700 key blade combination surface. Barrel pin assembly350 (i.e. 300E) also comprises shuttle member, slidably coupled to theaxially interrupted cylindrical housing, the shuttle member comprises:concentric cylindrical peg 356 having flat apical end 357 and proximallyextending conical proximal end 358, the conical proximal end 358 sized,shaped and configured for engaging portion of sliding member 360. Thesliding member is comprised of radially extending slab 361 radiallyslidable within radial pathway 359, having flat basal surface 362 andridged apical surface 363 with depression 364 disposed between tworidges 363′, 363″, wherein depression 364 being sized, shaped andconfigured to engage conical proximal end 358 of concentric cylindricalpeg 357. Sliding member 360 further comprising radial dowel 365 havingcurved apical surface 366 and basally extending conical surface 367radially coupled to sliding member 360, via, for example radiallyextending slab 361, wherein basally extending conical surface 367 issized, shaped and configured to be engaged in undulating channel 708(see e.g., FIG. 9) cut in key 700 key blade 701, and wherein slidingmember 360 and radial dowel 365 extend radially from concentriccylindrical peg 357 at predetermined angle θ relative to longitudinalaxis X_(L701) defined by key 700 elongated key blade 701.

Turning now to FIGS. 7C, 7D, and 9. FIG. 7C, illustrates an improperkey/lock combination, whereby inserting key blade 701 in keyway 103,wherein properly configured primary engagement site 703 engages proximalend 353 of barrel pin assembly 350 (300E) interrupted cylindricalhousing 351, causing open distal end 352 of interrupted cylindricalhousing 351 of barrel pin assembly 350 (300E) to abut proximal end 204of interrupted cylindrical housing 201 of nested column pin assembly200A and axially move interrupted cylindrical housing 201 distally (inother words, away from barrel 102) against first biaser 107 andindirectly against stopper 108, thus aligning the interface formed byopen distal end 352 of barrel pin assembly 350 (300E) interruptedcylindrical housing 351 and proximal end 204 of nested column pinassembly 200A interrupted cylindrical housing 201, with shear line 10.Conversely however, basally extending conical surface 367 of(non-concentric) radial dowel 365, which is sized, shaped and configuredto be engaged in undulating channel 708 (see e.g., FIG. 9) cut in key700 key blade 701, slidably translates sliding member 360 in areciprocating manner within radial pathway 359, eventually causingconcentric cylindrical peg's 356 proximally extending conical proximalend 358 to abut ridged apical surface 363 of sliding member 360 not ondepression 364, but rather on the slopes of ridge 363′, thus elevatingconcentric cylindrical peg 356 flat distal end 357 to move axially ininterrupted cylindrical housing 351 against proximal end 209 of piston205 head portion 206 (see e.g., FIG. 8), thus in effect moving proximalend 209 of piston 205 head portion 206 through the interface crated byflat distal end 357 of concentric cylindrical peg 356 and proximal end209 of piston 205 head portion 206 beyond shear line 10, causing flatdistal end 357 of concentric cylindrical peg 356 to enter interruptedcylindrical housing 201 of nested column pin assembly 200A andpreventing the rotation of barrel 102 within cylinder lock housing 101.

Proper Key/lock combination is illustrated in FIG. 7D. As illustrated,properly configured primary engagement site 703 engages proximal end 353of barrel pin assembly 350 (300E) interrupted cylindrical housing 351,causing open distal end 352 of interrupted cylindrical housing 351 ofbarrel pin assembly 350 (300E) to abut proximal end 204 of interruptedcylindrical housing 201 of nested column pin assembly 200A and axiallymove interrupted cylindrical housing 201 distally (in other words, awayfrom barrel 102) against first biaser 107 and indirectly against stopper108, thus aligning the interface formed by open distal end 352 of barrelpin assembly 350 (300E) interrupted cylindrical housing 351 and proximalend 204 of nested column pin assembly 200A interrupted cylindricalhousing 201, with shear line 10. Similarly, basally extending conicalsurface 367 of (non-concentric) radial dowel 365, which is sized, shapedand configured to be engaged in undulating channel 708 (see e.g., FIG.9) cut in key 700 key blade 701, slidably translates sliding member 360within radial pathway 359, causing concentric cylindrical peg's 356proximally extending conical proximal end 358 to abut ridged apicalsurface 363 of sliding member 360 in depression 364, thus urgingconcentric cylindrical peg 356 flat distal end 357 to move the interfacecrated by flat distal end 357 of concentric cylindrical peg 356 andproximal end 209 of piston 205 head portion 206 to align with shear line10 (see e.g., FIG. 8), and since now both interfaces are aligned withshear line 10 the rotation of barrel 102 within cylinder lock housing101 can be actuated.

Additionally, or alternatively nested column pin assembly 200B (seee.g., FIG. 5D) can be used in combination with barrel pin assembly 300F(see e.g., FIGS. 5A, 5D, and 6A). Turning first to FIGS. 5A and 5D,illustrating nested column pin assembly 200B as comprising axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing 201 defining longitudinal axis X_(L)having a closed distal end 202 and pen proximal end 204, with closeddistal end 202 defining concentric aperture 203, wherein the axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing 201 of nested column pin assembly 200Bis sized and configured for accommodating (in other words having aproperly sized internal space forming tube 211)—flanged upper piston 213and cylindrical sleeve member 214 . As illustrated in FIG. 5D, flangedupper piston 212 having proximal flange 214 with a flat proximal end 215and flanged upper piston stem 2121extending distally from proximalflange 214, wherein flanged upper piston stem 2121 sized and configuredto extend distally beyond aperture 203 defined in axially interruptedcylindrical housing 201 of nested column pin assembly 200B, further withupper spring 213 sized to sheath flanged upper piston stem 2121 disposeddistally to proximal flange 214 of flanged upper piston 212 between theproximal flange 214 and the underside of axially interrupted cylindricalhousing 201 of nested column pin assembly 200B, configured to biasflanged upper piston 212 away from axially interrupted cylindricalhousing 201 of nested column pin assembly 200B. Axially interruptedcylindrical housing 201 of nested column pin assembly 200B furtheraccommodates cylindrical sleeve member 216 disposed within axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing 201 of nested column pin assembly 200B,having open distal end 217 abutting proximal end 215 of proximal flange214 of flanged upper piston 212, and open proximal end 218, whereinproximal end 218 of cylindrical sleeve 216 further defines an internalrim 219, sized and configured to accommodate a portion of nested columnpin 220 (with upper flanged piston, the nested component). In turn,nested column pin 220, is comprised of distal flange 221 with flatdistal flange end 222, and rod portion 223 with proximal end 224. Nestedcolumn pin assembly 200B further comprises nested biaser (e.g., spring)225 disposed between flat distal flange end 222 of nested column pin 220and flat proximal end 215 of flanged upper piston 212.

Corresponding barrel pin assembly 300F can comprise therefore an axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing 301 of barrel pin assembly 300F defininglongitudinal axis X_(L) and having proximal end 302 and open distal end303, axially interrupted cylindrical housing 301 of barrel pin assembly300F further defining shelf 304 disposed distally to opening 305 inaxially interrupted cylindrical housing 301 of barrel pin assembly 300F,wherein proximal end 302 of axially interrupted cylindrical housing 301of barrel pin assembly 300F can be sized and configured to be engaged inprimary engagement site 703, for example in annular cut 706, on key 700key blade 701. Barrel pin assembly 300F, is further comprised of shuttlemember 306, slidably coupled to axially interrupted cylindrical housing301 of barrel pin assembly 300F.

As illustrated in FIG. 5A, and 6A, shuttle member 306 can compriseconcentric member 307 having a distal end 328 and proximal end 338 (seee.g., FIG. 6A), concentric member 307 further defining axial shaft 314extending therethrough (concentric member 307), wherein axial shaft 314being sized and configured for accommodating portion of nested rod 315.Nested rod 315 can have rod tail 316 with flat tail distal end 317 andshaped head 319 disposed longitudinally proximal to rod tail 316, withshaped head 319 proximal end 320 wherein shaped end 319 proximal end 320is sized, shaped and configured to be engaged in concentric engagementsite 709 on key 700 key blade 701. Shuttle 306 further comprisesnon-concentric member 310 extending radially and proximally (ordownwards) from concentric member's 307 proximal end 338, withnon-concentric member 310 having pin 311 distal end 308 and proximal end312 shaped, sized and configured to be engaged in secondary engagementsite 704 on the key 700 key-blade 701, wherein non-concentric member 310extends radially from concentric member 307 at predetermined angle qrelative to longitudinal axis X_(L701) (see e.g., FIG. 1C, 3A) definedby key blade 701 of key 700.

In an embodiment, provided herein are key and lock combinationsconfigured to enable rotating the barrel within the cylinder lock'shousing. Accordingly and in an embodiment, provided herein is lock andkey combination comprising: cylinder lock 100 comprising nested columnpin assembly 200A barrel pin assembly 300A and key 700 comprisinggenerally elongate key blade 701, wherein key blade 701 comprising key700 combination surface that has plurality of engagement sites 703, 704,702, with: primary site 703, for example annular cut 706 sized, shapedconfigured to engage proximal end 302 of axially interrupted cylindricalhousing 301 of barrel pin assembly 300A; and non-coaxial secondary site704 sized shaped and configured to engage proximal end 312 ofnon-concentric member 310, wherein non-coaxial secondary site 704 isoffset at predetermined angle θ from primary site 703 relative tolongitudinal axis X_(L701) defined by key blade 701 (see e.g., FIGS. 1C,and 3A).

Additionally or alternatively the lock and key combination can comprise:cylinder lock 100 comprising nested column pin assembly 200A barrel pinassembly 300B and key 700 comprising generally elongate key blade 701,wherein key blade 701 comprising key 700 combination surface that hasplurality of engagement sites 703, 704, 702, with: primary site 703, forexample annular cut 706 sized, shaped configured to engage proximal end302 of axially interrupted cylindrical housing 301 of barrel pinassembly 300B; coaxial engagement site 709, being coaxial with primarysite 703, wherein coaxial engagement site 709 is shaped sized andconfigured to engage proximal end 321 of coaxial member extension 313;and non-coaxial secondary site 704 sized shaped and configured to engageproximal end 312 of non-concentric member 310 pin 311, whereinnon-coaxial secondary site 704 is offset at predetermined angle θ fromprimary site 703 relative to longitudinal axis X_(L701) defined by keyblade 701 (see e.g., FIGS. 1C, and 3A)

In yet another embodiment, the lock and key combination can comprise:cylinder lock 100 comprising nested column pin assembly 200A barrel pinassembly 300C and key 700 comprising generally elongate key blade 701,wherein key blade 701 comprising key 700 combination surface that hasplurality of engagement sites 703, 704, 702, with: primary site 703, forexample annular cut 706 sized, shaped configured to engage proximal end302 of axially interrupted cylindrical housing 301 of barrel pinassembly 300C; non-coaxial secondary site 704 sized shaped andconfigured to engage proximal end 312 of one of the non-concentricmembers 311; and non-coaxial tertiary site 704′ sized shaped andconfigured to engage the proximal end 312′ of one of non-concentricmembers 311′ not engaged by secondary site 704, wherein non-coaxialsecondary and tertiary sites (704, 704; respectively) are offset atpredetermined angle θ from primary site 703 relative to longitudinalaxis X_(L701) defined by key blade 701 (see e.g., FIGS. 1C, and 3A).

In yet another embodiment, the lock and key combination can comprise:cylinder lock 100 comprising nested column pin assembly 200A barrel pinassembly 300D and key 700 comprising generally elongate key blade 701,wherein key blade 701 comprising key 700 combination surface that hasplurality of engagement sites 703, 704, 705, 702, with primary site 703,for example annular cut 706 sized, shaped configured to engage proximalend 302 of axially interrupted cylindrical housing 301 of barrel pinassembly 300D; and wherein secondary engagement site is tilted groovecut 707 offset at predetermined angle θ from primary site 703 relativeto longitudinal axis X_(L701) defined by key blade 701 (see e.g., FIGS.3B, and 3C).

Moreover, in certain embodiment, cylinder lock 100 can comprise nestedcolumn pin assembly 200A barrel pin assembly 300E and key 700 comprisinggenerally elongate key blade 701, wherein key blade 701 comprising key700 combination surface that has plurality of engagement sites 703, 704,705, 702, with primary site 703, for example annular cut 706 sized,shaped configured to engage closed proximal end 353 of axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing 351 of barrel pin assembly 300E, andundulating channel 708, sized, shaped and configured to engage basallyextending conical surface 367 of radial dowel 365, wherein undulatingchannel 709 is configured to position sliding member 360 such thatproximally extending conical proximal end 358 of cylindrical peg 356 isdisposed in depression 364 between ridges 363′ and 363″ of ridged apicalsurface 363.

Additionally, Additionally or alternatively the lock and key combinationcan comprise: cylinder lock 100 comprising nested column pin assembly200B barrel pin assembly 300F and key 700 comprising generally elongatekey blade 701, wherein key blade 701 comprising key 700 combinationsurface that has plurality of engagement sites 703, 704, 705, 702, with:primary site 703, for example annular cut 706 sized, shaped configuredto engage proximal end 302 of axially interrupted cylindrical housing301 of barrel pin assembly 300F; coaxial engagement site 709, beingcoaxial with primary site 703, wherein coaxial engagement site 709 isshaped sized and configured to engage proximal end 320 of shaped head319 of nested rod 316; and non-coaxial secondary site 704 sized shapedand configured to engage proximal end 312 of non-concentric member 310pin 311, wherein non-coaxial secondary site 704 is offset atpredetermined angle θ from primary site 703 relative to longitudinalaxis X_(L701) defined by key blade 701.

The term “about”, when used in the description of the technology and/orclaims means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and otherquantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may beapproximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances,conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, andother factors known to those of skill in the art. In general, an amount,size, formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is“about” or “approximate” whether or not expressly stated to be such andmay include the end points of any range provided including, for example±25%, or ±20%, specifically, ±15%, or ±10%, more specifically, ±5% ofthe indicated value of the disclosed amounts, sizes, formulations,parameters, and other quantities and characteristics.

All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and theendpoints are independently combinable with each other. “Combination” isinclusive of blends, mixtures, alloys, reaction products, and the like.Furthermore, the terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do notdenote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to denoteone element from another. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” herein do notdenote a limitation of quantity, and are to be construed to cover boththe singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein orclearly contradicted by context. The suffix “(s)” as used herein isintended to include both the singular and the plural of the term that itmodifies, thereby including one or more of that term (e.g., thedevice(s) includes one or more device). Reference throughout thespecification to “one embodiment”, “another embodiment”, “anembodiment”, and so forth, means that a particular element (e.g.,feature, structure, and/or characteristic) described in connection withthe embodiment is included in at least one embodiment described herein,and may or may not be present in other embodiments. In addition, it isto be understood that the described elements may be combined in anysuitable manner in the various embodiments.

As used herein, the language referring in certain embodiments to “sized,shaped and configured” refer to complimentary surfaces that facilitatethe interaction indicated, for example, engaging the proximal ends ofvarious components by the engagement sites cut into the surfaces of thekey blade, whether annular cuts 706, undulating channel 708, coaxialengagement site 709, axial grooves 702, and/or tilted groove(s) 707.

Accordingly and in an embodiment, provided herein is a cylinder lock,comprising: a barrel having an axial keyway and a plurality of barrelbores extending radially from, and in communication with, the keyway,the barrel being selectably rotatbly movable within a cylindricalhousing; the cylindrical housing having a column with a plurality ofcolumn bores extending radially from said barrel comprising a barrel pinassembly slidably movable within the barrel bore, wherein the barrel pinassembly comprising at least two, non-concentric engaging proximal ends,configured, when engaged by a key having at least two engagement sites,to slidably and independently translate along the barrel bore'slongitudinal axis to a shear line against a single nested column pinassembly located in a corresponding column bore; a stopper disposed atthe distal end of each column bore; and a biaser disposed within eachcolumn bore, sized and configured to bias the nested column pin assemblytowards the barrel, wherein (i) the nested column pin assemblycomprises: an axially interrupted cylindrical housing defining alongitudinal axis and having a closed distal end and an open proximalend, the closed distal end defining a concentric aperture, wherein theaxially interrupted cylindrical housing is sized and configured toaccommodate an axially movable piston; the piston having a head portionwith a flat proximal end and a stem extending distally from the headportion, the stem sized and configured to extend distally beyond theaperture defined in the axially interrupted cylindrical housing of thenested column pin assembly; and a spring sized to sheath the stemdisposed distally to the head portion of the piston between the headportion and the axially interrupted cylindrical housing, configured tobias the piston away from the axially interrupted cylindrical housing,(ii) the barrel pin assembly comprises: an axially interruptedcylindrical housing defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximalend and an open distal end, the axially interrupted cylindrical housingfurther defining a shelf disposed distally to an opening in the axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing, wherein the proximal end of the axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing is sized and configured to be engaged ina primary engagement site on the key; and a shuttle member, slidablycoupled to the axially interrupted cylindrical housing, the shuttlemember comprises: a concentric member having a distal end and a proximalend; and a non-concentric member extending radially and proximally fromthe concentric member's proximal end, the non-concentric member having adistal end and a proximal end shaped, sized and configured to be engagedin a secondary engagement site on the key, wherein the non-concentricmember extends radially from the concentric member at a predeterminedangle relative to a longitudinal axis defined by a blade of the key,wherein (iii) the barrel pin assembly comprises: an axially interruptedcylindrical housing defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximalend and an open distal end, the axially interrupted cylindrical housingfurther defining a shelf disposed distally to an opening in the axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing, wherein the proximal end of the axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing is shaped, sized and configured to beengaged in the primary engagement site on the key; and a shuttle member,slidably coupled to the axially interrupted cylindrical housing, theshuttle member comprises: a concentric member having a distal end and aproximal end, the proximal end of the concentric member sized andconfigured to be engaged in a coaxial engagement site on the key that isconcentric with the primary engagement site; and a non-concentric memberextending radially and proximally from the concentric member, thenon-concentric member having a distal end and a proximal end shaped,sized and configured to be engaged in the secondary engagement site onthe key, wherein the non-concentric member extends radially from theconcentric member at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinalaxis defined by the blade of the key, wherein (iv) the barrel pinassembly comprises: an axially interrupted cylindrical housing definingthe longitudinal axis and having the proximal end and the open distalend, the axially interrupted cylindrical housing further defining theshelf disposed distally to the opening in the axially interruptedcylindrical housing, wherein the proximal end of the axially interruptedcylindrical housing is sized and configured to be engaged in the primaryengagement site on the key; and a shuttle member, slidably coupled tothe axially interrupted cylindrical housing, the shuttle membercomprises: a concentric member having a distal end and a proximal end;and a pair of non-concentric members extending radially and proximallyfrom the concentric member's proximal end, the pair of non-concentricmembers each having a distal end and a proximal end shaped, sized andconfigured to be engaged in the secondary and a tertiary engagementsites on the key, wherein each of the pair of non-concentric membersextends radially from the concentric member at a predetermined anglerelative to the longitudinal axis defined by the blade of the key,wherein (v) the barrel pin assembly comprises: an axially interruptedcylindrical housing defining the longitudinal axis and having theproximal end and the open distal end, the axially interruptedcylindrical housing further defining the shelf disposed distally to anopening in the axially interrupted cylindrical housing, wherein theproximal end of the axially interrupted cylindrical housing is sized andconfigured to be engaged in the primary engagement site on the key; anda shuttle member, slidably coupled to the axially interruptedcylindrical housing, the shuttle member comprises: a concentric memberhaving a distal end and a proximal end; and a non-concentric membercoupled radially via extension, the non-concentric member having adistal end, wherein the non-concentric member extends radially from theconcentric member at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinalaxis defined by the blade of the key and wherein the non-concentricmember defines a coned cylinder with a proximal end shaped, sized andconfigured to be engaged in the secondary engagement site on the keyhaving an oval cross section with a major axis that is larger than thewidth of the extension, the major axis disposed at a predetermined angleto a longitudinal axis defined by the extension, wherein (vi) the barrelpin assembly comprises: an axially interrupted cylindrical housingdefining a longitudinal axis and having a closed proximal end and anopen distal end, with an opening in the axially interrupted cylindricalhousing, the opening defining a radial pathway, wherein the closedproximal end of the axially interrupted cylindrical housing is shaped,sized and configured to be engaged in the primary engagement site on thekey; and a shuttle member, slidably coupled to the axially interruptedcylindrical housing, the shuttle member comprises: a concentriccylindrical peg having a flat apical end and a proximally extendingconical proximal end, the conical proximal end sized, shaped andconfigured to be engaged by a portion of a sliding member; the slidingmember with a radially extending slab radially slidable within theradial pathway, having a flat basal surface and a ridged apical surfacewith a depression disposed between two ridges, wherein the depression issized, shaped and configured to engage the conical proximal end of theconcentric cylindrical peg; and a radial dowel having a curved apicalsurface and a basally extending conical surface radially coupled to thesliding member, wherein the basally extending conical surface is sized,shaped and configured to be engaged in an undulating channel cut on thekey, and wherein the sliding member and the radial dowel extend radiallyfrom the concentric cylindrical peg at a predetermined angle relative toa longitudinal axis defined by the blade of the key, wherein (vii) thenested column pin assembly comprises: an axially interrupted cylindricalhousing defining a longitudinal axis and having a closed distal end andan open proximal end, the closed distal end defining a concentricaperture, wherein the axially interrupted cylindrical housing is sizedand configured to accommodate a flanged upper piston and a cylindricalsleeve member; the flanged upper piston having a proximal flange with aflat proximal end and a flanged upper piston stem extending distallyfrom the flange, the flanged upper piston stem sized and configured toextend distally beyond the aperture defined in the axially interruptedcylindrical housing of the nested column pin assembly; an upper springsized to sheath the flanged upper piston stem disposed distally to theflange of the upper piston between the flange and the axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing, configured to bias the flanged upperpiston away from the axially interrupted cylindrical housing; thecylindrical sleeve member disposed within the axially interruptedcylindrical housing, having an open distal end abutting the proximal endof the flange of the flanged upper piston, and an open proximal end,wherein the proximal end of the cylindrical sleeve further defines aninternal rim, sized and configured to accommodate a portion of a nestedcolumn pin; the nested column pin, having a distal flange with a flatdistal flange end, and a rod portion with a proximal end; and a nestedspring disposed between the distal flange end of the nested column pinand the flat proximal end of the flanged upper piston, (viii) the barrelpin assembly comprises: an axially interrupted cylindrical housingdefining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and an opendistal end, the axially interrupted cylindrical housing further defininga shelf disposed distally to an opening in the axially interruptedcylindrical housing, wherein the proximal end of the axially interruptedcylindrical housing is sized and configured to be engaged in a primaryengagement site on the key; and a shuttle member, slidably coupled tothe axially interrupted cylindrical housing, the shuttle membercomprises: a concentric member having a distal end and a proximal end,the concentric member further defining an axial shaft extending therethrough, the axial shaft sized and configured to accommodate a portionof a nested rod; the nested rod, having a rod tail with a flat taildistal end and a shaped head disposed longitudinally proximal to the rodtail, with a shaped head proximal end wherein the shaped end proximalend is shaped and configured to be engaged in the engagement site on thekey that is concentric with the primary engagement site; and anon-concentric member extending radially and proximally from theconcentric member's proximal end, the non-concentric member having adistal end and a proximal end shaped, sized and configured to be engagedin the secondary engagement site on the key, wherein the non-concentricmember extends radially from the concentric member at a predeterminedangle relative to a longitudinal axis defined by a blade of the key, and(ix) wherein the barrel bore further comprises an axial canal extendingradially from the barrel bore at the predetermined angle relative to thelongitudinal axis defined by the blade of the key, the axial canalhaving radial cross section sized shaped and configured to accommodatethe axial movement of the non-concentric member. The cylinder lock ofclaim 7, wherein the curved apical surface of the radial dowel defines acurvature that is complimentary to the curvature of the cylindricalhousing, and wherein (x) wherein the curved apical surface of the radialdowel defines a curvature that is complimentary to the curvature of thecylindrical housing.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a lock and key combinationcomprising: a cylinder lock, comprising: a barrel having an axial keywayand a plurality of barrel bores extending radially from, and incommunication with, the keyway, the barrel being selectably rotatblymovable within a cylindrical housing; the cylindrical housing having acolumn with a plurality of column bores extending radially from saidbarrel comprising a barrel pin assembly slidably movable within thebarrel bore, wherein the barrel pin assembly comprising at least two,non-concentric engaging proximal ends, configured, when engaged by a keyhaving at least two engagement sites, to slidably and independentlytranslate along the barrel bore's longitudinal axis to a shear lineagainst a single nested column pin assembly located in a correspondingcolumn bore; a stopper disposed at the distal end of each column bore;and a biaser disposed within each column bore, sized and configured tobias the nested column pin assembly towards the barrel, wherein thenested column pin assembly comprises: an axially interrupted cylindricalhousing defining a longitudinal axis and having a closed distal end andan open proximal end, the closed distal end defining a concentricaperture, wherein the axially interrupted cylindrical housing is sizedand configured to accommodate an axially movable piston; the pistonhaving a head portion with a flat proximal end and a stem extendingdistally from the head portion, the stem sized and configured to extenddistally beyond the aperture defined in the axially interruptedcylindrical housing of the nested column pin assembly; and a springsized to sheath the stem disposed distally to the head portion of thepiston between the head portion and the axially interrupted cylindricalhousing, configured to bias the piston away from the axially interruptedcylindrical housing, the barrel pin assembly comprises: an axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing defining a longitudinal axis and havinga proximal end and an open distal end, the axially interruptedcylindrical housing further defining a shelf disposed distally to anopening in the axially interrupted cylindrical housing, wherein theproximal end of the axially interrupted cylindrical housing is sized andconfigured to be engaged in a primary engagement site on the key; and ashuttle member, slidably coupled to the axially interrupted cylindricalhousing, the shuttle member comprises: a concentric member having adistal end and a proximal end; and a non-concentric member extendingradially and proximally from the concentric member's proximal end, thenon-concentric member having a distal end and a proximal end shaped,sized and configured to be engaged in a secondary engagement site on thekey, wherein the non-concentric member extends radially from theconcentric member at a predetermined angle relative to a longitudinalaxis defined by a blade of the key, the key comprising the generallyelongate key blade, the key blade comprising a key combination surfacethat has a plurality of engagement sites, with: the primary site sizedshaped and configured to engage the proximal end of the axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing; and the non-coaxial secondary sitesized shaped and configured to engage the proximal end of thenon-concentric member, wherein the non-coaxial secondary site is offsetat a predetermined angle from the primary site relative to thelongitudinal axis defined by the key blade.

In yet another embodiment, provided herein is a lock and key combinationcomprising: a cylinder lock, comprising: a barrel having an axial keywayand a plurality of barrel bores extending radially from, and incommunication with, the keyway, the barrel being selectably rotatblymovable within a cylindrical housing; the cylindrical housing having acolumn with a plurality of column bores extending radially from saidbarrel comprising a barrel pin assembly slidably movable within thebarrel bore, wherein the barrel pin assembly comprising at least two,non-concentric engaging proximal ends, configured, when engaged by a keyhaving at least two engagement sites, to slidably and independentlytranslate along the barrel bore's longitudinal axis to a shear lineagainst a single nested column pin assembly located in a correspondingcolumn bore; a stopper disposed at the distal end of each column bore;and a biaser disposed within each column bore, sized and configured tobias the nested column pin assembly towards the barrel, wherein thenested column pin assembly comprises: an axially interrupted cylindricalhousing defining a longitudinal axis and having a closed distal end andan open proximal end, the closed distal end defining a concentricaperture, wherein the axially interrupted cylindrical housing is sizedand configured to accommodate an axially movable piston; the pistonhaving a head portion with a flat proximal end and a stem extendingdistally from the head portion, the stem sized and configured to extenddistally beyond the aperture defined in the axially interruptedcylindrical housing of the nested column pin assembly; and a springsized to sheath the stem disposed distally to the head portion of thepiston between the head portion and the axially interrupted cylindricalhousing, configured to bias the piston away from the axially interruptedcylindrical housing, wherein the barrel pin assembly comprises: anaxially interrupted cylindrical housing defining a longitudinal axis andhaving a proximal end and an open distal end, the axially interruptedcylindrical housing further defining a shelf disposed distally to anopening in the axially interrupted cylindrical housing, wherein theproximal end of the axially interrupted cylindrical housing is shaped,sized and configured to be engaged in the primary engagement site on thekey; and a shuttle member, slidably coupled to the axially interruptedcylindrical housing, the shuttle member comprises: a concentric memberhaving a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end of theconcentric member sized and configured to be engaged in a coaxialengagement site on the key that is concentric with the primaryengagement site; and a non-concentric member extending radially andproximally from the concentric member, the non-concentric member havinga distal end and a proximal end shaped, sized and configured to beengaged in the secondary engagement site on the key, wherein thenon-concentric member extends radially from the concentric member at apredetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis defined by theblade of the key; and the key comprising the generally elongate keyblade, the key blade comprising the key combination surface that has aplurality of engagement sites, with: the primary site sized shaped andconfigured to engage the proximal end of the axially interruptedcylindrical housing; the coaxial engagement site, being coaxial with theprimary site, wherein the coaxial engagement site is shaped sized andconfigured to engage the proximal end of the coaxial member; and thenon-coaxial secondary site sized shaped and configured to engage theproximal end of the non-concentric member, wherein the secondary site isoffset at a predetermined angle from the primary site relative to thelongitudinal axis defined by the key blade.

In an embodiment, provided herein is a lock and key combinationcomprising: a cylinder lock, comprising: a barrel having an axial keywayand a plurality of barrel bores extending radially from, and incommunication with, the keyway, the barrel being selectably rotatblymovable within a cylindrical housing; the cylindrical housing having acolumn with a plurality of column bores extending radially from saidbarrel comprising a barrel pin assembly slidably movable within thebarrel bore, wherein the barrel pin assembly comprising at least two,non-concentric engaging proximal ends, configured, when engaged by a keyhaving at least two engagement sites, to slidably and independentlytranslate along the barrel bore's longitudinal axis to a shear lineagainst a single nested column pin assembly located in a correspondingcolumn bore; a stopper disposed at the distal end of each column bore;and a biaser disposed within each column bore, sized and configured tobias the nested column pin assembly towards the barrel, wherein thenested column pin assembly comprises: an axially interrupted cylindricalhousing defining a longitudinal axis and having a closed distal end andan open proximal end, the closed distal end defining a concentricaperture, wherein the axially interrupted cylindrical housing is sizedand configured to accommodate an axially movable piston; the pistonhaving a head portion with a flat proximal end and a stem extendingdistally from the head portion, the stem sized and configured to extenddistally beyond the aperture defined in the axially interruptedcylindrical housing of the nested column pin assembly; and a springsized to sheath the stem disposed distally to the head portion of thepiston between the head portion and the axially interrupted cylindricalhousing, configured to bias the piston away from the axially interruptedcylindrical housing, wherein the barrel pin assembly comprises: anaxially interrupted cylindrical housing defining the longitudinal axisand having the proximal end and the open distal end, the axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing further defining the shelf disposeddistally to the opening in the axially interrupted cylindrical housing,wherein the proximal end of the axially interrupted cylindrical housingis sized and configured to be engaged in the primary engagement site onthe key; and a shuttle member, slidably coupled to the axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing, the shuttle member comprises: aconcentric member having a distal end and a proximal end; and a pair ofnon-concentric members extending radially and proximally from theconcentric member's proximal end, the pair of non-concentric memberseach having a distal end and a proximal end shaped, sized and configuredto be engaged in the secondary and a tertiary engagement sites on thekey, wherein each of the pair of non-concentric members extends radiallyfrom the concentric member at a predetermined angle relative to thelongitudinal axis defined by the blade of the key; and the keycomprising the generally elongate key blade, the key blade comprising akey combination surface that has a plurality of engagement sites, with:the primary site sized shaped and configured to engage the proximal endof the axially interrupted cylindrical housing; and the non-coaxialsecondary site sized shaped and configured to engage the proximal end ofone of the non-concentric members; and the non-coaxial tertiary sitesized shaped and configured to engage the proximal end of one of thenon-concentric members not engaged by the secondary site, wherein thenon-coaxial secondary and tertiary sites are offset at a predeterminedangle from the primary site relative to the longitudinal axis defined bythe key blade.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a lock and key combinationcomprising: a cylinder lock, comprising: a barrel having an axial keywayand a plurality of barrel bores extending radially from, and incommunication with, the keyway, the barrel being selectably rotatblymovable within a cylindrical housing; the cylindrical housing having acolumn with a plurality of column bores extending radially from saidbarrel comprising a barrel pin assembly slidably movable within thebarrel bore, wherein the barrel pin assembly comprising at least two,non-concentric engaging proximal ends, configured, when engaged by a keyhaving at least two engagement sites, to slidably and independentlytranslate along the barrel bore's longitudinal axis to a shear lineagainst a single nested column pin assembly located in a correspondingcolumn bore; a stopper disposed at the distal end of each column bore;and a biaser disposed within each column bore, sized and configured tobias the nested column pin assembly towards the barrel, wherein thenested column pin assembly comprises: an axially interrupted cylindricalhousing defining a longitudinal axis and having a closed distal end andan open proximal end, the closed distal end defining a concentricaperture, wherein the axially interrupted cylindrical housing is sizedand configured to accommodate an axially movable piston; the pistonhaving a head portion with a flat proximal end and a stem extendingdistally from the head portion, the stem sized and configured to extenddistally beyond the aperture defined in the axially interruptedcylindrical housing of the nested column pin assembly; and a springsized to sheath the stem disposed distally to the head portion of thepiston between the head portion and the axially interrupted cylindricalhousing, configured to bias the piston away from the axially interruptedcylindrical housing; and the key comprising the generally elongate keyblade, the key blade comprising a key combination surface that has aplurality of engagement sites, with: the primary site sized shaped andconfigured to engage the proximal end of the axially interruptedcylindrical housing; and the non-coaxial secondary site sized shaped andconfigured to engage the proximal end of the non-concentric member,wherein the non-coaxial secondary site is offset at a predeterminedangle from the primary site relative to the longitudinal axis defined bythe key blade wherein the secondary engagement site is a tilted groovecut at the predetermined angle from the primary site relative to thelongitudinal axis defined by the key blade.

In yet another embodiment, provided herein is a lock and key combinationcomprising: a cylinder lock, comprising: a barrel having an axial keywayand a plurality of barrel bores extending radially from, and incommunication with, the keyway, the barrel being selectably rotatblymovable within a cylindrical housing; the cylindrical housing having acolumn with a plurality of column bores extending radially from saidbarrel comprising a barrel pin assembly slidably movable within thebarrel bore, wherein the barrel pin assembly comprising at least two,non-concentric engaging proximal ends, configured, when engaged by a keyhaving at least two engagement sites, to slidably and independentlytranslate along the barrel bore's longitudinal axis to a shear lineagainst a single nested column pin assembly located in a correspondingcolumn bore; a stopper disposed at the distal end of each column bore;and a biaser disposed within each column bore, sized and configured tobias the nested column pin assembly towards the barrel, wherein thenested column pin assembly comprises: an axially interrupted cylindricalhousing defining a longitudinal axis and having a closed distal end andan open proximal end, the closed distal end defining a concentricaperture, wherein the axially interrupted cylindrical housing is sizedand configured to accommodate an axially movable piston; the pistonhaving a head portion with a flat proximal end and a stem extendingdistally from the head portion, the stem sized and configured to extenddistally beyond the aperture defined in the axially interruptedcylindrical housing of the nested column pin assembly; and a springsized to sheath the stem disposed distally to the head portion of thepiston between the head portion and the axially interrupted cylindricalhousing, configured to bias the piston away from the axially interruptedcylindrical housing, wherein the barrel pin assembly comprises: anaxially interrupted cylindrical housing defining a longitudinal axis andhaving a closed proximal end and an open distal end, with an opening inthe axially interrupted cylindrical housing, the opening defining aradial pathway, wherein the closed proximal end of the axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing is shaped, sized and configured to beengaged in the primary engagement site on the key; and a shuttle member,slidably coupled to the axially interrupted cylindrical housing, theshuttle member comprises: a concentric cylindrical peg having a flatapical end and a proximally extending conical proximal end, the conicalproximal end sized, shaped and configured to be engaged by a portion ofa sliding member; the sliding member with a radially extending slabradially slidable within the radial pathway, having a flat basal surfaceand a ridged apical surface with a depression disposed between tworidges, wherein the depression is sized, shaped and configured to engagethe conical proximal end of the concentric cylindrical peg; and a radialdowel having a curved apical surface and a basally extending conicalsurface radially coupled to the sliding member, wherein the basallyextending conical surface is sized, shaped and configured to be engagedin an undulating channel cut on the key, and wherein the sliding memberand the radial dowel extend radially from the concentric cylindrical pegat a predetermined angle relative to a longitudinal axis defined by theblade of the key; and the key comprising the generally elongate keyblade, the key blade comprising a key combination surface that has aplurality of engagement sites, with: the primary site sized shaped andconfigured to engage the closed proximal end of the axially interruptedcylindrical housing; and the undulating channel, sized, shaped andconfigured to engage the basally extending conical surface of the radialdowel, wherein the undulating channel is configured to position thesliding member such that the proximally extending conical proximal endof the cylindrical peg is disposed in the depression between the tworidges of the ridged apical surface.

In an embodiment, provided herein is a lock and key combinationcomprising: cylinder lock, comprising: a barrel having an axial keywayand a plurality of barrel bores extending radially from, and incommunication with, the keyway, the barrel being selectably rotatblymovable within a cylindrical housing; the cylindrical housing having acolumn with a plurality of column bores extending radially from saidbarrel comprising a barrel pin assembly slidably movable within thebarrel bore, wherein the barrel pin assembly comprising at least two,non-concentric engaging proximal ends, configured, when engaged by a keyhaving at least two engagement sites, to slidably and independentlytranslate along the barrel bore's longitudinal axis to a shear lineagainst a single nested column pin assembly located in a correspondingcolumn bore; a stopper disposed at the distal end of each column bore;and a biaser disposed within each column bore, sized and configured tobias the nested column pin assembly towards the barrel, wherein thenested column pin assembly comprises: an axially interrupted cylindricalhousing defining a longitudinal axis and having a closed distal end andan open proximal end, the closed distal end defining a concentricaperture, wherein the axially interrupted cylindrical housing is sizedand configured to accommodate a flanged upper piston and a cylindricalsleeve member; the flanged upper piston having a proximal flange with aflat proximal end and a flanged upper piston stem extending distallyfrom the flange, the flanged upper piston stem sized and configured toextend distally beyond the aperture defined in the axially interruptedcylindrical housing of the nested column pin assembly; an upper springsized to sheath the flanged upper piston stem disposed distally to theflange of the upper piston between the flange and the axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing, configured to bias the flanged upperpiston away from the axially interrupted cylindrical housing; thecylindrical sleeve member disposed within the axially interruptedcylindrical housing, having an open distal end abutting the proximal endof the flange of the flanged upper piston, and an open proximal end,wherein the proximal end of the cylindrical sleeve further defines aninternal rim, sized and configured to accommodate a portion of a nestedcolumn pin; the nested column pin, having a distal flange with a flatdistal flange end, and a rod portion with a proximal end; and a nestedspring disposed between the distal flange end of the nested column pinand the flat proximal end of the flanged upper piston, wherein thebarrel pin assembly comprises: an axially interrupted cylindricalhousing defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and anopen distal end, the axially interrupted cylindrical housing furtherdefining a shelf disposed distally to an opening in the axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing, wherein the proximal end of the axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing is sized and configured to be engaged ina primary engagement site on the key; and a shuttle member, slidablycoupled to the axially interrupted cylindrical housing, the shuttlemember comprises: a concentric member having a distal end and a proximalend, the concentric member further defining an axial shaft extendingthere through, the axial shaft sized and configured to accommodate aportion of a nested rod; the nested rod, having a rod tail with a flattail distal end and a shaped head disposed longitudinally proximal tothe rod tail, with a shaped head proximal end wherein the shaped endproximal end is shaped and configured to be engaged in the engagementsite on the key that is concentric with the primary engagement site; anda non-concentric member extending radially and proximally from theconcentric member's proximal end, the non-concentric member having adistal end and a proximal end shaped, sized and configured to be engagedin the secondary engagement site on the key, wherein the non-concentricmember extends radially from the concentric member at a predeterminedangle relative to a longitudinal axis defined by a blade of the key; andthe key comprising the generally elongate key blade, the key bladecomprising the key combination surface that has a plurality ofengagement sites, with: the primary site sized shaped and configured toengage the proximal end of the axially interrupted cylindrical housing;the coaxial engagement site, being coaxial with the primary site,wherein the coaxial engagement site is shaped sized and configured toengage the proximal end of the coaxial member; and the non-coaxialsecondary site sized shaped and configured to engage the proximal end ofthe non-concentric member, wherein the secondary site is offset at apredetermined angle from the primary site relative to the longitudinalaxis defined by the key blade, wherein the coaxial engagement site isshaped, sized and configured to engage the proximal end of the shapedhead of the nested rod.

While particular embodiments have been described, alternatives,modifications, variations, improvements, and substantial equivalentsthat are or may be presently unforeseen may arise to applicants orothers skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims as filed andas they may be amended, are intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents.

1. A cylinder lock, comprising: a. a barrel having an axial keyway and aplurality of barrel bores extending radially from, and in communicationwith, the keyway, the barrel being selectably rotatbly movable within acylindrical housing; b. the cylindrical housing having a column with aplurality of column bores extending radially from said barrel comprisinga barrel pin assembly slidably movable within the barrel bore, whereinthe barrel pin assembly comprising at least two, non-concentric engagingproximal ends, configured, when engaged by a key having at least twoengagement sites, to slidably and independently translate along thebarrel bore's longitudinal axis to a shear line against a single nestedcolumn pin assembly located in a corresponding column bore; c. a stopperdisposed at the distal end of each column bore; and d. a biaser disposedwithin each column bore, sized and configured to bias the nested columnpin assembly towards the barrel.
 2. The cylinder lock of claim 1,wherein the nested column pin assembly comprises: a. an axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing defining a longitudinal axis and havinga closed distal end and an open proximal end, the closed distal enddefining a concentric aperture, wherein the axially interruptedcylindrical housing is sized and configured to accommodate an axiallymovable piston; b. the piston having a head portion with a flat proximalend and a stem extending distally from the head portion, the stem sizedand configured to extend distally beyond the aperture defined in theaxially interrupted cylindrical housing of the nested column pinassembly; and c. a spring sized to sheath the stem disposed distally tothe head portion of the piston between the head portion and the axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing, configured to bias the piston away fromthe axially interrupted cylindrical housing.
 3. The cylinder lock ofclaim 2, wherein the barrel pin assembly comprises: a. an axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing defining a longitudinal axis and havinga proximal end and an open distal end, the axially interruptedcylindrical housing further defining a shelf disposed distally to anopening in the axially interrupted cylindrical housing, wherein theproximal end of the axially interrupted cylindrical housing is sized andconfigured to be engaged in a primary engagement site on the key; and b.a shuttle member, slidably coupled to the axially interruptedcylindrical housing, the shuttle member comprises: i. a concentricmember having a distal end and a proximal end; and ii. a non-concentricmember extending radially and proximally from the concentric member'sproximal end, the non-concentric member having a distal end and aproximal end shaped, sized and configured to be engaged in a secondaryengagement site on the key, wherein the non-concentric member extendsradially from the concentric member at a predetermined angle relative toa longitudinal axis defined by a blade of the key.
 4. The cylinder lockof claim 2, wherein the barrel pin assembly comprises: a. an axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing defining a longitudinal axis and havinga proximal end and an open distal end, the axially interruptedcylindrical housing further defining a shelf disposed distally to anopening in the axially interrupted cylindrical housing, wherein theproximal end of the axially interrupted cylindrical housing is shaped,sized and configured to be engaged in the primary engagement site on thekey; and b. a shuttle member, slidably coupled to the axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing, the shuttle member comprises: i. aconcentric member having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximalend of the concentric member sized and configured to be engaged in acoaxial engagement site on the key that is concentric with the primaryengagement site; and ii. a non-concentric member extending radially andproximally from the concentric member, the non-concentric member havinga distal end and a proximal end shaped, sized and configured to beengaged in the secondary engagement site on the key, wherein thenon-concentric member extends radially from the concentric member at apredetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis defined by theblade of the key.
 5. The cylinder lock of claim 2, wherein the barrelpin assembly comprises: a. an axially interrupted cylindrical housingdefining the longitudinal axis and having the proximal end and the opendistal end, the axially interrupted cylindrical housing further definingthe shelf disposed distally to the opening in the axially interruptedcylindrical housing, wherein the proximal end of the axially interruptedcylindrical housing is sized and configured to be engaged in the primaryengagement site on the key; and b. a shuttle member, slidably coupled tothe axially interrupted cylindrical housing, the shuttle membercomprises: i. a concentric member having a distal end and a proximalend; and ii. a pair of non-concentric members extending radially andproximally from the concentric member's proximal end, the pair ofnon-concentric members each having a distal end and a proximal endshaped, sized and configured to be engaged in the secondary and atertiary engagement sites on the key, wherein each of the pair ofnon-concentric members extends radially from the concentric member at apredetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis defined by theblade of the key.
 6. The cylinder lock of claim 2, wherein the barrelpin assembly comprises: a. an axially interrupted cylindrical housingdefining the longitudinal axis and having the proximal end and the opendistal end, the axially interrupted cylindrical housing further definingthe shelf disposed distally to an opening in the axially interruptedcylindrical housing, wherein the proximal end of the axially interruptedcylindrical housing is sized and configured to be engaged in the primaryengagement site on the key; and b. a shuttle member, slidably coupled tothe axially interrupted cylindrical housing, the shuttle membercomprises: i. a concentric member having a distal end and a proximalend; and ii. a non-concentric member coupled radially via extension, thenon-concentric member having a distal end, wherein the non-concentricmember extends radially from the concentric member at a predeterminedangle relative to the longitudinal axis defined by the blade of the keyand wherein the non-concentric member defines a coned cylinder with aproximal end shaped, sized and configured to be engaged in the secondaryengagement site on the key having an oval cross section with a majoraxis that is larger than the width of the extension, the major axisdisposed at a predetermined angle to a longitudinal axis defined by theextension.
 7. The cylinder lock of claim 2, wherein the barrel pinassembly comprises: a. an axially interrupted cylindrical housingdefining a longitudinal axis and having a closed proximal end and anopen distal end, with an opening in the axially interrupted cylindricalhousing, the opening defining a radial pathway, wherein the closedproximal end of the axially interrupted cylindrical housing is shaped,sized and configured to be engaged in the primary engagement site on thekey; b. and a shuttle member, slidably coupled to the axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing, the shuttle member comprises: i. aconcentric cylindrical peg having a flat apical end and a proximallyextending conical proximal end, the conical proximal end sized, shapedand configured to be engaged by a portion of a sliding member; ii. thesliding member with a radially extending slab radially slidable withinthe radial pathway, having a flat basal surface and a ridged apicalsurface with a depression disposed between two ridges, wherein thedepression is sized, shaped and configured to engage the conicalproximal end of the concentric cylindrical peg; and iii. a radial dowelhaving a curved apical surface and a basally extending conical surfaceradially coupled to the sliding member, wherein the basally extendingconical surface is sized, shaped and configured to be engaged in anundulating channel cut on the key, and wherein the sliding member andthe radial dowel extend radially from the concentric cylindrical peg ata predetermined angle relative to a longitudinal axis defined by theblade of the key.
 8. The cylinder lock of claim 1, wherein the nestedcolumn pin assembly comprises: a. an axially interrupted cylindricalhousing defining a longitudinal axis and having a closed distal end andan open proximal end, the closed distal end defining a concentricaperture, wherein the axially interrupted cylindrical housing is sizedand configured to accommodate a flanged upper piston and a cylindricalsleeve member; b. the flanged upper piston having a proximal flange witha flat proximal end and a flanged upper piston stem extending distallyfrom the flange, the flanged upper piston stem sized and configured toextend distally beyond the aperture defined in the axially interruptedcylindrical housing of the nested column pin assembly; c. an upperspring sized to sheath the flanged upper piston stem disposed distallyto the flange of the upper piston between the flange and the axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing, configured to bias the flanged upperpiston away from the axially interrupted cylindrical housing; d. thecylindrical sleeve member disposed within the axially interruptedcylindrical housing, having an open distal end abutting the proximal endof the flange of the flanged upper piston, and an open proximal end,wherein the proximal end of the cylindrical sleeve further defines aninternal rim, sized and configured to accommodate a portion of a nestedcolumn pin; e. the nested column pin, having a distal flange with a flatdistal flange end, and a rod portion with a proximal end; and f. anested spring disposed between the distal flange end of the nestedcolumn pin and the flat proximal end of the flanged upper piston.
 9. Thecylinder lock of claim 8, wherein the barrel pin assembly comprises: a.an axially interrupted cylindrical housing defining a longitudinal axisand having a proximal end and an open distal end, the axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing further defining a shelf disposeddistally to an opening in the axially interrupted cylindrical housing,wherein the proximal end of the axially interrupted cylindrical housingis sized and configured to be engaged in a primary engagement site onthe key; and b. a shuttle member, slidably coupled to the axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing, the shuttle member comprises: i. aconcentric member having a distal end and a proximal end, the concentricmember further defining an axial shaft extending there through, theaxial shaft sized and configured to accommodate a portion of a nestedrod; ii. the nested rod, having a rod tail with a flat tail distal endand a shaped head disposed longitudinally proximal to the rod tail, witha shaped head proximal end wherein the shaped end proximal end is shapedand configured to be engaged in the engagement site on the key that isconcentric with the primary engagement site; and iii. a non-concentricmember extending radially and proximally from the concentric member'sproximal end, the non-concentric member having a distal end and aproximal end shaped, sized and configured to be engaged in the secondaryengagement site on the key, wherein the non-concentric member extendsradially from the concentric member at a predetermined angle relative toa longitudinal axis defined by a blade of the key.
 10. The cylinder lockof claim 3, wherein the barrel bore further comprises an axial canalextending radially from the barrel bore at the predetermined anglerelative to the longitudinal axis defined by the blade of the key, theaxial canal having radial cross section sized shaped and configured toaccommodate the axial movement of the non-concentric member.
 11. Thecylinder lock of claim 7, wherein the curved apical surface of theradial dowel defines a curvature that is complimentary to the curvatureof the cylindrical housing.
 12. A lock and key combination comprising:a. the cylinder lock of claim 3; and b. the key comprising the generallyelongate key blade, the key blade comprising a key combination surfacethat has a plurality of engagement sites, with: i. the primary sitesized shaped and configured to engage the proximal end of the axiallyinterrupted cylindrical housing; and ii. the non-coaxial secondary sitesized shaped and configured to engage the proximal end of thenon-concentric member, wherein the non-coaxial secondary site is offsetat a predetermined angle from the primary site relative to thelongitudinal axis defined by the key blade.
 13. A lock and keycombination comprising: a. the cylinder lock of claim 4; and b. the keycomprising the generally elongate key blade, the key blade comprisingthe key combination surface that has a plurality of engagement sites,with: i. the primary site sized shaped and configured to engage theproximal end of the axially interrupted cylindrical housing; ii. thecoaxial engagement site, being coaxial with the primary site, whereinthe coaxial engagement site is shaped sized and configured to engage theproximal end of the coaxial member; and iii. the non-coaxial secondarysite sized shaped and configured to engage the proximal end of thenon-concentric member, wherein the secondary site is offset at apredetermined angle from the primary site relative to the longitudinalaxis defined by the key blade.
 14. A lock and key combinationcomprising: a. the cylinder lock of claim 5; and b. the key comprisingthe generally elongate key blade, the key blade comprising a keycombination surface that has a plurality of engagement sites, with: i.the primary site sized shaped and configured to engage the proximal endof the axially interrupted cylindrical housing; and ii. the non-coaxialsecondary site sized shaped and configured to engage the proximal end ofone of the non-concentric members; and iii. the non-coaxial tertiarysite sized shaped and configured to engage the proximal end of one ofthe non-concentric members not engaged by the secondary site, whereinthe non-coaxial secondary and tertiary sites are offset at apredetermined angle from the primary site relative to the longitudinalaxis defined by the key blade.
 15. A lock and key combinationcomprising: a. the cylinder lock of claim 6; and b. the key comprisingthe generally elongate key blade, the key blade comprising a keycombination surface that has a plurality of engagement sites, with: i.the primary site sized shaped and configured to engage the proximal endof the axially interrupted cylindrical housing; and ii. the non-coaxialsecondary site sized shaped and configured to engage the proximal end ofthe non-concentric member, wherein the non-coaxial secondary site isoffset at a predetermined angle from the primary site relative to thelongitudinal axis defined by the key blade wherein the secondaryengagement site is a tilted groove cut at the predetermined angle fromthe primary site relative to the longitudinal axis defined by the keyblade.
 16. A lock and key combination comprising: a. the cylinder lockof claim 7; and b. the key comprising the generally elongate key blade,the key blade comprising a key combination surface that has a pluralityof engagement sites, with: i. the primary site sized shaped andconfigured to engage the closed proximal end of the axially interruptedcylindrical housing; and ii. the undulating channel, sized, shaped andconfigured to engage the basally extending conical surface of the radialdowel, wherein the undulating channel is configured to position thesliding member such that the proximally extending conical proximal endof the cylindrical peg is disposed in the depression between the tworidges of the ridged apical surface.
 17. A lock and key combinationcomprising: a. the cylinder lock of claim 9; and b. the key comprisingthe generally elongate key blade, the key blade comprising the keycombination surface that has a plurality of engagement sites, with: i.the primary site sized shaped and configured to engage the proximal endof the axially interrupted cylindrical housing; ii. the coaxialengagement site, being coaxial with the primary site, wherein thecoaxial engagement site is shaped sized and configured to engage theproximal end of the coaxial member; and iii. the non-coaxial secondarysite sized shaped and configured to engage the proximal end of thenon-concentric member, wherein the secondary site is offset at apredetermined angle from the primary site relative to the longitudinalaxis defined by the key blade, wherein the coaxial engagement site isshaped, sized and configured to engage the proximal end of the shapedhead of the nested rod.